Packers fans, basking in the franchise’s biggest win since Brett Favre left town, have no interest in any criticism of their new green-and-golden boy. It’s obvious. It’s predictable. And we don’t blame them for being protective of their star quarterback.

After all, plenty of fans of other teams blindly have defended far, far worse behavior by their star quarterbacks. (The Falcons circa 2007 and the Steelers circa 2010 come to mind.) Rodgers, as we admitted on Sunday, was fully within his rights to not acknowledge the existence of Jan Cavanaugh while walking through the airport as the team either was heading to or returning from Atlanta. And we had every right to react to the video, as harvested, edited, and presented by WBAY, by opining that Rodgers was acting like an ass.

Since the item surfaced here and at Deadspin, a litany of excuses and clarifications has emerged on Rodgers’ behalf. For some bloggers inclined either to pander to Packers fans or to settle old scores with (or possibly, to gain some traffic by sparking a public fight), the caught-on-film conduct of Rodgers has been overlooked or minimized in favor of attacks against those who dared to point out what the video obviously shows — Rodgers walking past Jan Cavanaugh as if she didn’t exist.

How strong is the desire to defend Rodgers from criticism? We’ve even been accused of running a payola ring, trading favorable coverage of players for cash. Yes, at least one man with a cheesehead fashioned from tin foil suggests that we have funded PFT by illegally taking money from agents to say nice things about their clients, and to say bad things about the clients of their competitors. (For the benefit of those who will be inclined to think it’s true unless we dignify the delusion with a denial, the accusation is completely untrue.)

Actually, it was against our interests to post the story criticizing Rodgers, since we had submitted a request on Sunday for a Packers player to appear this week on PFT Live. We’ve got a feeling that, for perhaps the same reason WBAY so quickly deleted the video, our request will be denied.

It doesn’t matter whether it was Rodgers or any other player. Whoever walked by Jan Cavanaugh like she wasn’t even there was going to get reamed on the pages of PFT, because I believe that cancer patients deserve the highest level of respect and deference that can be provided.

Anyone whose life has been touched by the disease knows what I mean. We all can see in Jan Cavanaugh the mother or sister or aunt or friend or neighbor who has had to confront a silent killer that could kill — and, frankly, eventually will kill — many of the people reading these words. (For those of you who make it to 45 without getting cancer, that’s probably about the time you’ll start worrying from time to time about all the different organs in your body, and your spouse’s body, that eventually could be infested with it.)

This, in the lull between a boring Seahawks-Bears game and the start of the Jets-Patriots game the WBAY report, forwarded to us by multiple readers, struck a nerve with me.

So what of the follow-up report from WBAY, which likely has spent much of the past 24 hours apologizing to angry viewers for depicting Rodgers in a negative light and simultaneously applying lips to the buttocks of anyone and everyone in the Packers organization, that Rodgers signed a jersey the week before for Cavanaugh? Apparently, some of you think that makes his decision to walk past her without a nod or a smile or anything else fine and dandy.

I don’t.

If anything, this familiarity tends to reinforce the notion that Rodgers knew or should have known that Cavanaugh has cancer, making his failure to offer a friendly nod or a wave or a quick “not today, maybe next time” while she waited for him to sign her hat even more strange.

Many Packers fans have pointed out all the charitable things that Rodgers has done over the years. He deserves credit for that. And so allow us publicly to declare, “Attaboy.”

Folks who frequent this site on a regular basis know that we aren’t terribly impressed by the things athletes do while the world is watching. As one high-level executive with a team other than the Packers (and not an NFC North rival) observed in response the WBAY video, what we do when tired, cranky, busy, etc. reveals more about our true character than what we do when attending a charitable event arranged through the team and/or handlers.

As to the argument that Rodgers was wearing ear buds and thus not paying attention to his surroundings, that excuse doesn’t cut it as to anyone who is over the age 0f 15. Rodgers knows that fans gather in that airport when the Packers come and go. Choosing to remain in his own little world isn’t the way to interact with those whose interest in football helps pay Rodgers’ salary. (Which was the real point of our first story on the matter.)

As to the idea that Rodgers was just focused on the task at hand, the Packers were flying to Atlanta, not walking into the Georgia Dome.

As to the idea that Jan Cavanaugh wasn’t bothered by Rodgers’ decision to snub her, that’s her prerogative. And we respect her for it. She’s a Packers fan, she lives in the area, she wants to see the team do well, and she’s got bigger things in her life to worry about than whether Aaron Rodgers will give her the time of day.

Bottom line? As we said last night on Twitter, nothing said or argued or reported since we first posted the item changes for us the image of Rodgers ignoring Jan Cavanaugh. But if it will make Packers fans feel better to complain about our coverage of the incident instead of acknowledging (as a few grudgingly have done) that Rodgers handled the situation poorly, nothing we can say or argue or report will change that.

UPDATE: After another 24 hours or so, I calmed down and saw the light. Here’s the true last word — our apology to Aaron Rodgers, Packers fans, and Jan Cavanaugh.

There is no link on this post to the video, but is it possible he didn’t see her, or recognize the situation (her being a cancer patient and all)??? Because as you’ve pointed out before MANY people wear pink to promote the cause and not just those with cancer. I’ve been impacted personally too and I’m not saying it would be ok, but what if he didn’t see her or recognize the situation????

Ah, nevermind, I see it now, you just made sure to mention it as disingenuously as possible.

bucks12965 says:Jan 17, 2011 6:48 PM

I don’t like A.R. But maybe he had to go to the restroom. You guys act like he knocker her down and walked over her.

He continued walking past a fan. Stop trying to make more out of it than it is.

doe22us says:Jan 17, 2011 6:51 PM

Well said Mike in my 5 years plus reading this site this is as fired up as i have seen you at least online.. well at least when you got into the pissing much with some reporter well said

pervyharvin says:Jan 17, 2011 6:51 PM

I got chills reading that Mikey…bravo for not backing down! I want to go punch some raw side of beef now for your will to tell it like it is. Any smart person knows that the station is putting deodorant over stinky seat. Jan said she wanted Rodgers signature in your video. Packer fans are the same people who fart on an elevator and point at someone else…pathetic. If AD did that I would call him a loser…but he wouldn’t.

doe22us says:Jan 17, 2011 6:52 PM

sorry it was a radio talk show host

mistertony25 says:Jan 17, 2011 6:52 PM

…said the lifelong Vikings fan.

Can this non-story be put to bed already?

theservice10 says:Jan 17, 2011 6:52 PM

I was about to comment on this article until I saw “Previous: Chad Pennington will attempt another comeback” and actually found that headline much more interesting…

Actually, maybe nothing anyone else can say will change your mind. Something like the rest of the story: this woman has had many things signed by Rodgers in the past and feels that he is very gracious. What plainly irresponsible story that you ought to back out of as fast you can. I know this is the wild west of the internet, but be professional and check a source (there was only one here.)

tinytim4115 says:Jan 17, 2011 6:56 PM

When we posted on Sunday the item regarding video from WBAY-TV showing Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers breezing by a breast cancer patient hopeful that he’d sign her hat, we knew there would be a reaction.
———————————–
The first i heard about this issue was here, so of course you knew there would be a reaction…. you were the ones reacting! this was a non-issue, and it still is

kegowhisky says:Jan 17, 2011 6:57 PM

Mike, I can’t believe you’re sticking to your guns with such arrogance. The point in my post (and I think many others) was not whether or not Rodgers did anything wrong, but that a broken and disjointed video that doesn’t give a comprehensive view of anything isn’t enough to attack him with the ferocity of your post.

Which leads to the question: Should we treat this as a responsible journalistic forum, or just a blog with all the implied irresponsiblity normal and accepted?

Your call sir, and I hope this also won’t be censored since it could be viewed as PFT critical.

As a long-time reader of PFT (been visiting daily since I was 17, I’m 23 now), this story is swaying my opinion of this site. I have been trying to convince my friends for years that this is a respectful, legit source for NFL news, although I realize that this seems easy now as you are backed by NBC, this wasn’t as easy in the earlier years when it was just PFT and that’s it.

You should be reporting news, rumors, and results from the NFL world and not reporting your personal feelings for players. You have attempted to refute every excuse that people have brought up regarding this story. I feel that the points being made about Rodgers signing other items should end the story there. This lady is a cancer patient, I get it, there are millions of others in the world, maybe you should start reporting on the poor and homeless cancer sufferers who don’t even have the opportunity to stand at an airport every week and get numerous items signed by their favorite sports players. My aunt suffered and lost one of her breasts from cancer, she likes the KC Chiefs, anyway you can set up a meeting with KC players so she can get items signed? MY grandmother suffered and died from lung cancer, she never felt that she was entitled to receive special treatment.

Bottom line, this story is a joke. I feel bad for people who suffer from cancer, but using this story as a way to try and make Aaron Rodgers out to be a terrible person is wrong. I’ve said my two cents, hopefully this doesn’t get deleted like a past comment I made on a news story that included no vulgarity, just my opinion.

buckybadger says:Jan 17, 2011 6:59 PM

I don’t defend the actions of Rodgers as he should have taken the minute to sign her cap but does this one incident deserve two huge write ups? Is this behavior common of Rodgers or was this just a slip on his part. So many don’t realize, PFT incluced, these guys are demanded this sort of thing ALL THE FREAKIN TIME. Should we feel sorry for them, of course not, it comes with the territory. We also should understand that we are all human and this wasn’t something that deserves such attention. He screwed up but it wasn’t like he took the cap and threw it to the ground.

Rodgers screwed up here and to call him out is fine but to keep at is petty. Rodgers has done more than most in his position and you only mention that to cover your basis and are sacarastic in doing it. He was wrong but none of us are right all the time, the difference is our mistakes aren’t written about. If the behavior becomes routine than fire up your torches and pitch forks but until than give it a rest.

nickynick04 says:Jan 17, 2011 7:01 PM

Shame on you Aaron. Congrates Clay for being a bigger man then a player,,,I will always respect you…Shame on you Aaron !

Really Fliorio, while I agree he should pay a bit more attention to his surroundings, are you really serious in saying that he needs to respond how you think he should to every person who passes him in an airport? Have you ever been in an airport? People moving very fast past each other all the time. That’s normal.

This is the ultimate of taking someone’s actions out of context? Do you know that this is how he always treats people? I personally have never heard anything like that about him.

And maybe these earbuds were connected to a cellphone and he was talking on the phone. I’m sure you’ve never ignored someone while intently focusing on your conversation.

You don’t even attempt to be reasonable about this. What you are is extremely judgemental about ONE event in a persons life. Maybe there are dozens of cancer patients who he has taken the effort to talk to. Maybe not.

But have you, as a self-proclaimed, self-promoted sports “journalist” even taken the effort to find that out? I doubt it.

And no I’m most definitely NOT a Packers fan.

Maybe Rodgers is the jerk you make him out to be. Maybe not. But we’ll never find out by your crack reporting.

akpackfan says:Jan 17, 2011 7:01 PM

Hopefully someone learned their lesson here. Anyone who’s gone through journalism 101 should know to check facts before writing a story like you did last night.

buccaboo says:Jan 17, 2011 7:02 PM

Mike. YOU WERE RIGHT last night and you are right again today!
Thanks for giving us “little people” a voice.

No. Not those little people

iamthorny says:Jan 17, 2011 7:03 PM

Why don’t you just admit you’re as bitter as Brett Favre that the Packers are playing for the right to go to the SuperBowl?

As a lifelong Vikings fan, perhaps, you should’ve shared that with the readers while working your magic to show a guy in a negative light.

You posted nothing positive about the fact he stopped just the week prior. Is he supposed to stop every single time he sees her?

She’s likely been at the airport every single time the Packers have a road game. The story alluded to the fact that she’s given some of the signed items to family members. Why?

I believe her and her husband frequent the airport to get autographs they can later sell.

I wonder if someone hung outside a place we know you had to be, if you would always stop and talk and give us an autograph? Dollars to donuts says you wouldn’t, so that makes you a hypocrite.

strategerie says:Jan 17, 2011 7:03 PM

I’m glad you wrote about this.

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a Seahawks fan, and have been since the inception of the team. Since we live in a smaller market, the 12th Men of Seattle see our players out and about a lot more often than someone in (for instance,) New York or Dallas might. We’ve heard who will greet a fan in public with a smile and give an autograph, and who will not.

Seattle opened their training camp practices to the public a few years back. I enjoyed going, and the first year, the org allowed fans to visit more than once. I saw the same players “at the fence” patiently signing and posing for photos after practice every time: Lofa Tatupu, John Carlson, Nate Burleson, and Patrick Kerney, to name four.

I appreciate your comments on Mr. Rodgers. Whether he blew by Ms. Cavanaugh like he was late for his flight isn’t the most important thing. The most important thing is, like it or not, she pays his salary. He, and other NFL greats, get to live a life others can only dream about because she’s willing to stand and wait for a treasured thirty-second encounter with him. I understand that it is tough to realize what it’s like to have someone ask for your autograph in a men’s restroom or while you’re at dinner on a date, but it’s part of the price one pays for a very public job.

Mr. Rodgers’ actions make Clay Matthews look even better. As an over-40 female, I’m not asking for that autograph unless it’s someone I truly enjoy watching on the field. While I’m not a cancer survivor, the few minutes I was able to spend chatting with and obtaining an autograph from a former Seahawks player still makes me smile.

Thank you again for broaching this subject, and best of luck to Ms. Cavanaugh for a speedy and complete recovery.

ba008 says:Jan 17, 2011 7:05 PM

haha, to even mention Big Ben and Mike Vick in this article is ridiculous. This is no different than walking by a 10 year old who is a huge fan and tries to get an autograph ALL THE TIME. Storyworthy? No.

If she was asking for Super Bowl tickets and didn’t get them, you would probably make a story out of that too. Aaron, man, she has cancer, just get her some tickets. Right?

But hey, you are getting a lot more hits on your website today, you should thank Aaron. Is this your strategy? Make something out of nothing with the most talked about player right now?

metalhead65 says:Jan 17, 2011 7:05 PM

they can complain all they want but can you imagine what they would be saying if it had been Jay Cutler instead?it would be the top story on sports center if it was him! and all because he dares not to broadcast his every move or expose every detail of his private life? wonder if reilly will do a story on this?if Jay is a jerk for not calling a press conference to announce he is buying presents for sick kids imagine what he would say about him if he had done this.

joefromphilly says:Jan 17, 2011 7:06 PM

This is one of those articles where if there was a “continue reading” link, no one would click it, so the whole story takes up half the page instead. Labor-related articles tend to run the same way. Those links just drive up unique clicks for ads. You’re not fooling anyone.

pervyharvin says:Jan 17, 2011 7:06 PM

I was going to root for the Pack in the NFCCG before this,but hell no now. Da Bears have just became America’s team, have you seen the country wide anger over this? The damage is done, back tracking will not help. Too bad on many levels, bet Rodgers will crumble under this attention and rob us all of a game that had the making of a historic NFC North NFCCG! Go Bears!!!!

People judge Mr. Rodgers on a 15 second video clip. Packer fans do go to the airport to greet them. I am sure a lot of them go multiple times.

If you want to crucify him for not signing her hat, so be it, but do a little more work in your reporting you would find he signed a jersey for Jan last week after the Eagles game. So feel free to give the guy a break.

dempsey63 says:Jan 17, 2011 7:09 PM

For the record, I am one of those Packers fans who didn’t defend his boorish behavior. What angers me are the celebrity worshipers around these parts who absolutely cannot accept the fact that those in the spotlight are capable of wrongdoing.

There’s a manager at work who defends Favre more tenaciously than Gerry Spence. Like a devil’s advocate, he quickly counters every damning piece of evidence by asserting that somebody borrowed Favre’s phone…and his watch…and his “package,” etc. Yet he’ll hang any of us for the slightest sign of wrongdoing without even a shred of evidence simply because “I know you did it!”

securityofficergbpackfan84 says:Jan 17, 2011 7:09 PM

Even though I’m a die-hard GB fan, I agree completely with you Mike. What Rodgers did was wrong no matter what his reason was. I still remember hearing stories about how Cal Ripken Jr. stayed hours after his game had finished and made sure to sign for anybody who asked. Different sport but he was and still is a truly professional ball player.

sageyoung says:Jan 17, 2011 7:10 PM

I appreciate you santimony, but there is another report that he’s signed stuff for her before, and she’s cool with him and upset at the fuss you’ve made…
But my greater point is that who made you the arbiter of all things right in this world? I thought is was highly irresponsible of you to make such an accusation when all you’d seen is a short video clip and didn’t know the facts. I’m not saying he didn’t walk right by her rudely, but that neither of us know the circumstances. I am not a Packer fan, but it seems to me that you broke the cardinal rule of journalism; make sure your have all the facts before you draw such extreme conclusions.

datruth2100 says:Jan 17, 2011 7:13 PM

My family knows exactly how that feels.when I was 13 we found out my 4 year old brother had cancer. After we learned that he only had a few months to live make a wish asked him what he would like and at the time snoop dogg was his favorite artist. So when we asked to meet him and we were told by his manager that he was in prison. That same day we saw him live on mtv..needless to say my little brother was heartbroken, so instead of meeting his favorite artist he went to disney world in the heat and was so sick he couldn’t really enjoy it. The one thing I would love is for players to do it whether the cameras are on or off because rodgers was great when espn was there for the little girl with cancer

daffy87 says:Jan 17, 2011 7:13 PM

Looks like Rodgers has headphones on in the video. Not unthinkable that he was just zoned out listening to music and not paying attention to anything. Everyone does that I think. I’m not at all a Packers fan, life long Browns fan, but I do this this story is getting a little too dissected.

I am a huge packer fan and I love the way Rodgers plays, but this video is pretty frusterating. I agree that Rodgers deserves credit for doing charity events and hanging around late to sign autographs, but shouldn’t that already by expected? He’s the face of the franchize, he should be required to do some of the work that some people praise him for.

I know that I have always thought that Rodgers is a good person, but I base it off of not hearing his name in drug/felony/rape/gun possession/etc. charges. Even I hoped that Vick wasn’t guilty of dog fighting because I thought he was better than that. I’m sure some people try not to think this way, but all of us hard working fans want to think that every player on the team we like are good people.

I clicked on this link hoping that there was more information about Rodgers reaching out to her to at least redeem himself of such a jackass move on his part. Whether we hear about it or not, I really hope he does the right thing.

Deb says:Jan 17, 2011 7:16 PM

Thank you. Love your site, and despite zinging you from time to time, respect mightily the chutzpah it took to build this thing. But that’s the first time you’ve made me like you.

Though the evidence showed he didn’t assault anyone, I have no problem acknowledging it also showed Roethlisberger to be a huge jackass. Being my team’s QB doesn’t excuse that. He says he’s done a character check, and I pray that’s true. He’s certainly improved his work ethic.

In the last few months, Packers fans have shown no mercy ripping Ben and especially Favre for their character failings. But they can’t seem to figure out that all athletes are human and fallible … no matter what jersey they wear.

hobartbaker says:Jan 17, 2011 7:17 PM

Fred just didn’t want to take a chance of catching cancer from some strange lady in an airport. Last thing he needs with a big game coming up next week.

Deb says:Jan 17, 2011 7:21 PM

@reapster …

The evidence shows Ben was no worse than a d-bag, too. Why you lucky boy … looks like you have something in common with two NFL quarterbacks!

Mike, I typically like you and even to an extent, defend A LOT of your opinions when others love to ream you a new one….. But this whole “Rodgers is an ass” argument seems petty and rather juvenile……

I understand the media business and the need to “stir the pot” in order to get “hits”, but we have no idea what the circumstances entailed other than, “Rodgers gets off a plane and walks past a cancer patient”…..

What is the real agenda here? I expected a little more from you Mike…….

Zoned out and listening to music it’s still hard to miss a 5 ft lady covered in pink from head to toe.
You Fudge Packers need to save your excuses for Sunday night.

PS Clay Mathew attained hero status right below Urlacher, hopefully he comes to his senses when his contract is up and comes to play for the Bears.

hobartbaker says:Jan 17, 2011 7:22 PM

If you look closely at the video it shows the security guy motioning Jan away from Rodgers, as in “No the dickhead isn’t interested even though he has been informed you are here”, then later returning with designated apologist Matthews, and motioning to her that it was O.K. to approach Clay, as in “Luckily this guy is willing to make amends for his boorish teammate”.

You guys keep deleting my posts that don’t have any profanity just simply stating that this was the most self-righteous post in the history of blogsfollowed by the most insecure post in the history of blogs.

I love PFT but this is not the only story in the last couple of weeks that has been lacking all the relevant information. I honestly think PFT is the best source of information on the NFL but this story seems out of place and you guys should be clued in by all the negative reaction….It’s not that anyone of us knows Rodgers or is trying to defend him the story is baffling.

Tony Romo is able to change a tire for an elderly couple on the side of the road after a game. It’s not that hard to show empathy for other people.

thesportacus says:Jan 17, 2011 7:27 PM

Way to make a mountain out of a molehill. If you had done your due diligence in reporting (like any viable reporter would, I wouldn’t count you as one, you’re just a blogger.), you would have found that Rodgers signed a jersey for Cavanaugh before the Eagles trip. Whatever gets you clicks and gets your rocks off I guess.

Does this mean that every NFL player that ignores a close proximity cancer survivor will be lambasted by PFT?

I haven’t seen the video; I’m not going to watch the video. We all have moments that we wish we could have back. I don’t know if Rodgers feels this is one of those moments or not, but I do know that this touched a nerve over at PFT, so I hope this is the last we hear of it… unless Rodgers makes a boneheaded comment about it, of course.

pervyharvin says:
Jan 17, 2011 7:06 PM
I was going to root for the Pack in the NFCCG before this,but hell no now. Da Bears have just became America’s team, have you seen the country wide anger over this? The damage is done, back tracking will not help. Too bad on many levels, bet Rodgers will crumble under this attention and rob us all of a game that had the making of a historic NFC North NFCCG! Go Bears!!!!
——————————————

Bull! You wouldn’t cheer for the Packers no matter what!

Matt says:Jan 17, 2011 7:35 PM

LMAO…you’re more upset about what Rodgers did than the fan is. If that doesn’t show you how far off base you are here, nothing will.

Also, this site using Jan Cavanaugh for site traffic or to feed your Vikings fandom by slandering Rodgers character is far worse than what Aaron did to Jan. Then again, I would expect nothing more of you…

He is probably just thinking why should I care what this fan thinks of me. She’s gonna be dead soon. Im focusing on the young, cancer free fans who have more time to spend money on my Jerseys. Yeah, its probably something simple like that. lol

nickynick04 says:Jan 17, 2011 7:40 PM

Big difference forcing a young girl to perform oral sex on you, sending pictures of your penis to a woman,,then walking pass a fan

metalhead65 says:Jan 17, 2011 7:43 PM

come on cheeseheads admit that if it had been Jay Cutler you and reilly would be crucifing him now. the fact that pft is the only outlet reporting this story just proves there is a media bias against Cutler because he does not play along with the media.

I totally agree with crosseye. I am a Raiders fan (obviously). I don’t have a rooting interest one way or another for Aaron Rodgers. But I don’t see what was so bad about what he did. It wasn’t like he stopped to sign for some fans and then just ignored her. He choose to get off the plane and go to his hotel. He didn’t knock her down, scream at her, spit on her or anything else. He choose not to sign an autograph for her. I’m sure if he saw the interview with her, he might have (reports are that he signed for her the week before). But we are presented with an interview telling of her struggles and then we see a 5 second clip of him walking by. And from this, he is some kind of selfish pre-madonna. I just don’t see the connection.

As for you statement that he owes the fans who pay his salary. Let me put it this way. There are millions more out there. The ones that stand in line at the airport to catch a glimpse of them aren’t going anywhere. They will still buy their hats and jerseys and root for their team. And there are new fans born everyday. Fans born into families that live and die football. Its not going away and they certainly aren’t going to lacrosse or soccer or field hockey or what lame sports you mentioned. Why, because its about football and not about a particular player.

As for your rant that cancer patients deserve special treatment, you nearly answered you own post. Everyone knows someone affected by this disease. Most of us will likely have a form of it. So should 80% of the population get special treatment then. If everyone is getting special treatment, then it isn’t really special is it. I had 2 grandparents die from the disease. My mother has been diagnosed twice with it. She didn’t ask for any special treatment. She did her chemo in the mornings and then went to work when they where over. So for you to take up the cause for all cancer sufferers is laughable. Stick to you football speculation and leave the soapbox at home. You just sound stupid when your opinions outweigh your rumors.

packmanfan says:Jan 17, 2011 7:44 PM

In the last few months, Packers fans have shown no mercy ripping Ben and especially Favre for their character failings. But they can’t seem to figure out that all athletes are human and fallible … no matter what jersey they wear.
==================================
Being accused of rape. Sending pics of one’s wang to another girl while being married.
Come nowhere even close as bad as walking by a fan wanting an autograph.

If A-Rod is ever accused of breaking a law or almost cheating on his spouse, we’ll cross that bridge if we ever get there which I seriously doubt we will.

Even though I’m a die-hard GB fan, I agree completely with you Mike. What Rodgers did was wrong no matter what his reason was. I still remember hearing stories about how Cal Ripken Jr. stayed hours after his game had finished and made sure to sign for anybody who asked. Different sport but he was and still is a truly professional ball player.
—————————————————-
Oh yeah? You remember HEARING stories about Ripken staying for hours after games signing autographs?

I grew up about a mile away from County Stadium and attended MANY games as a kid…… I knew EXACTLY where the players exited after the game… I never saw Ripken signing autographs because he would dip out to AVOID fans……. Same with most of the star players of visiting teams…..

Side note: Met Robin Yount at that same exit AFTER he retired and i know for a fact he signed as many autographs as fans waiting for his signature……. Great guy…. Same with Greg Vaughn….

Bottom line: Athletes are people too and we really do not know the circumstances…. If Rodgers already signed a jersey for her the previous week, why should he have to continue giving her autographs? Especially with reports saying that she gives away or even sells the autograph items….

This is a tough one because we dont know what Rodgers was thinking. I’m a Steelers fan and would like to think Rodgers was just being an ass. However, he may have been troubled by something just prior to walking past her.

It’s really tough to say, but in the court of public opinion, he was just being an ass. Unless, of course, you are a Packers fan or Jesus.

acdc84 says:Jan 17, 2011 7:47 PM

This follow-up is even worse than the original post. The “author” has really alienated alot of readers with his tunnel-vision on this one. It would have been cool to see a GB player on one of these video things, but now I sure hope no one from the Packer organization ever does anything for this site.

He walked by someone. That’s IT. You’re describing him in the same light as Rae Carruth.

whatthehellisgoingonoutthere says:Jan 17, 2011 7:50 PM

mossholder, he had already signed a jersey for her the week before and several other things in his previous years with the team. I don’t think he’s been a complete ass to her. The video doesn’t look good, I will admit that. However, I don’t know how obligated I would feel to sign another autograph for a woman who I knew I signed for no less than a week before.

mossholder, he had already signed a jersey for her the week before and several other things in his previous years with the team. I don’t think he’s been a complete ass to her. The video doesn’t look good, I will admit that. However, I don’t know how obligated I would feel to sign another autograph for a woman who I knew I signed for no less than a week before. This is coming from someone who survived cancer 2 years ago.

gbfanforever says:Jan 17, 2011 7:52 PM

Deb, you are wasting your time and energy, not to mention embarrassing yourself, by repeatedly posting the same comment comparing the actions of a man who by all first hand accounts I have ever heard (My brothers friends at Miami U said he was one of the biggest, most self entitled jerks they ever knew) and who has been “accused” of rape several times, and has publicly made an a** of himself many other times, with AR not noticing someone at an airport. It’s cool though, enough evidence to convict him of rape wasn’t obtained so he mustn’t have committed a crime, right? You have every right to cheer for him, he wears your teams jersey. I just hope you realize what kind of guy he is and that football is only a game. You can let yourself be fooled by the stories his agent helps get published about how is now mature and whatnot, but who cares, if he couldn’t play football he’d just be a really really ugly fat guy selling used cars.

Cutler gets enough articles about his demeanor or about him simply looking funny. Public figures get to deal with public scrutiny.

Nice write up, enjoyed it.

stellarperformance says:Jan 17, 2011 7:53 PM

What a bunch of two-faced hypocrites on this site. I thought “word” was everything to you Favre supporters. Everything that was said about Favre couldn’t possibly be true unless and until he spoke on the subject. Without his “word”, everything else was just conjecture…right?

Hey Mike, ever think that Jan doesn’t want to be treated like she’s different than any other Packers fan out there? I wish her nothing but the best in her fight against that horrible disease but did you ever stop to think she didn’t want this attention? Ever stop to think that she’s a diehard Packer fan who is happy as hell to see her team in the NFC CG? Ever stop to think that she was having the time of her life and now has to deal with this crap? If this was some 30 year old dude that Rodgers walked by, it would be a non-issue. Yes, she is in a completely different situation, and yes Rodgers should have stopped and atleast acknowledged her. But do you honestly think she cares? She has freaking cancer for crying out loud, you think that an NFL player walking past her is going to phase her? She’s gotten his autograph before, she got an autograph from an equally great guy in Clay Matthews. Grow up Mike and stop posting nonsense just to get your name out there.

uwsptke says:Jan 17, 2011 7:57 PM

Just so I’m clear, Rodgers character is now being lumped in with a dog killer, an alleged rapists, and an adulterer because you have some personal agenda against all things green and gold?

Your behavior and failure to admit that you jumped on the first thing you could find in your desperate attempt in a character assassination speaks volumes about the type of person you really are. That is all.

Would it have been so hard for Rodgers to take 30 seconds out of his day, to make a lasting lifetime memory for this woman, for however long that might be ?

robinyount19 says:Jan 17, 2011 7:58 PM

You keep saying this is how the players make their money so they shouldn’t disrespect the fans, YOU make YOUR money writing mostly disrespectful articles about said players. The bottom line is you are a bitter man because you never made it to where these guys are, and you use this space to attack them, yet the reality is that you don’t know the whole story. Your shtick has grown old, tired, and predictable. Grow up. These guys don’t owe anybody anything, especially someone who makes a living “reporting” on their exploits. If you don’t like it take a stand and QUIT. Otherwise stop crying about it.

dreidinger says:Jan 17, 2011 7:59 PM

Way to “stick to your guns” Mike. The fact that you had to give us a long, painfully drawn out response makes it pretty obvious that you’re trying to cover your ass. And now it’s about you speaking out for all of us touched by cancer? Nice try. Starting an all-out character assault on a guy for having one, poorly handled moment is flat-out bad journalism. Admit it, and move on.

Only Aaron knows why he didn’t stop to sign her hat. The possibilities are endless – maybe he was told not to sign autographs that day by PR, maybe he wasn’t feeling well, maybe he had to meet with coaches after getting through security, maybe he had to use the bathroom, maybe he was just feeling anti-social. The list could go on and on.

As has been mentioned repeatedly – he did sign for her and visit with her last week – when no cameras were present. He tends to be very private and maybe he didn’t want to be in front of the camera signing.

I was outside the hotel where the teams who play the Packers stay when the Colts boarded the buses to head to GB. Out of all the players and coaches, only 4 stopped to sign – Peyton Manning being one of them. There were small children with Colts jerseys on and none of those players came over. Is each and every one of them a jerk too? Or are they doing their jobs and in the zone to do what they need to do?

Get over it, Mike, and stop making this non-issue an issue. There is no need to trash the reputation of someone over one incident that you don’t have the answers to anyway.

notapackerfan says:Jan 17, 2011 8:09 PM

I’ll chime in on this one:

My temporary username should establish that Im not a fan of the packers and have no reason to stick up for rodgers.

I feel for anyone suffering from such a disease, but the bottom line is that football players traveling for a road game are essentially on a business trip. many of them will ignore the fans that gather all around, in the aiports, at the hotels, wherever their travel takes them before the game.

Whether he noticed her or not, he was likely just doing what he usually does on road trips: not signing autographs and moving from point A to point B as quickly as he could. Sure, he could have made an exception for her, but then what about the other fans who were waiting?

The simple fact is, pro athletes are damned if they do, damned if they dont; and I dont think the criticism is valid here. They simply cant stop and sign every single autograph solicited. they cant acknowledge every single fan, and really cant worry about what everyone else thinks when they go on about their business. The only thing comical about this little incident is the righteous indignation that some display when something like this happens.

Who are any of we to judge Aaron Rodgers?

6deep46 says:Jan 17, 2011 8:12 PM

Rodgers, the same guy who self proclaimed himself to be the best qb in his draft…Of course he blew her off. He will be punished for it on sunday too.

First off, I agree that there were some angry fan-driven comments to the previous thread. Let me be the first to apologize for the tone of those who responded inappropriately. But apparently those responses caused you to either not read or ignore the salient posts, and your follow up has just made the whole thing worse.

It’s manifestly NOT that you criticized a particular team or player that many of us are fond of (insightful and valid criticism of both have played out on PFT the last several years with no problem), it’s that what you wrote the first time was completely out of touch with the evidence that was available. Just a few seconds of searching turned up dozens of reports that spoke not just about Rogers visible charity, but on the volume of work he does behind the scenes, including intentionally keeping media away from events for children (so as not to detract from the kids being the stars of the events). Yet you either didn’t bother to look up the info, or simply disregarded it in favor of a context-less 10 seconds of video.

The follow up report by WBAY showed that Jan wasn’t upset at all about how the thing played out, that she and her husband are almost weekly visitors, that they have several Rodgers autographs already, including one from the previous week! You claim you want to defend her, but it turns out the only person she feels mistreated by is YOU.

You likewise continue to insult the integrity WBAY; when they took the video down you explicitly claimed they did it for the nefarious reason of watching out for their own self interest, not even considering the possibility that they might be horrified by how inaccurately their piece was being portrayed. And when they bothered to actually interview Jan (did that occur to you?), you further disregard everything she said, and again impugned their motivation, despite having the actual testimony of the lady involved.

So at this point I think we, as your readers, deserve to be told what exactly ARE your expectations? Does a professional athlete need to stop and autograph any number of items any number of times a person shows up? If they fail to do so, are they bad people even when they haven’t offended the person you are “defending” (and who have previously gotten several items signed by the same athlete)? And given that the event as you portrayed it is being contradicted by the original news outlet, the publicly available history of Rodgers behavior, and the very “victim” you are standing up for, what could actually change your mind? Or is your insight now so powerful that it’s no longer open to additional information?

You and I can agree that what an athlete does off camera is more important than in front of the camera, but if you refuse to even read the reports about his off-camera actions, how will you know about them? It’s not like they’re going to be on TV you know.

Can you even take the time to think through what would have happened had the cameras simply been there a week earlier instead (but events otherwise played out the same)? I guess we’d be hearing about what a wonderful guy Rodgers is because his autograph for Jan would have been on video after the Eagles game, and you would never have thought anything about him walking past all the fans this week since it wasn’t on tape?

If anything, the lesson out of this story should be a cautionary tale about how one edited slice of video can’t encapsulate the complexity of human beings, nor how professional athletes relate to their fans. Certainly it shouldn’t have been the basis by which to do a front page article on what a jerk someone is.

Yet your follow up acknowledges none of this, all it does is hold up the angriest and rudest fans as strawmen to knock over in your response, as if their reaction justifies ignoring Jan herself, all of the other information on her and Rodgers past interaction, and his previous off camera work for charities.

So now I’m afraid I have to call you out. You watched a piece of video and it made a strong emotional reaction on you. I understand; my 101 year old grandmother died of complications relating to cancer not very long ago. But you also over-reacted and are now coming up with excuses to justify the original piece. Perhaps like the Seahawks you’re now in a “me against the world” mentatlity. But you’re a journalist, and you have a higher level or responsibility than that.

By the way, my 101 year old grandmother died just long enough ago that she thought the world of Brett Favre and actually turned on the team (and their young replacement QB) she’d loved for decades.

Of course time has since shown that Favre isn’t the saint she thought he was, nor that the Packers made a bad or undeserved decision. But she will never get to reconcile the facts with her initial reaction. You have that chance, and I hope you take it. Otherwise the lack of journalistic integrity will make me spend my clicks elsewhere. Please continue to make insightful crticisms of the Pack and it players, but don’t delve into unjustified yellow journalism like this.

I am a Packers fan who was pretty upset when watching the original video and reading the article you wrote about the Jay Cutler story from Rick. However, then I decided to actually read the Jay Cutler story and noticed how you left out all of the negative points. You just mentioned the positive part of the story and tried to make it negative. Then I saw the rest of this story and realized he just signed her jersey a week ago. Should he have gave her a nod, sure, should he then give every single person a nod? I understand your job is to build up Cutler vs Rodgers and it’s cool to flip the good guy vs bad guy script. But then you have to understand why people think you are a dumbass.

I heard he signed some stuff for her after the philly game. But for a person that is sick or even a child u can’t be a jerk. But on the other hand you shouldn’t be bugging these people if you just met them a week ago.

You sure ripped Jay Cutler a lot more than this for refusing to kiss Phillip Rivers ass.
Oh… and for daring not to fall for Josh McDaniels whack job act too.
You even rip him for not being giggly enough when talking with the press after a loss.

Funny how Rodgers is this great guy who has signed for this woman before but the one moment that he comes off as a prick there just happens to be a camera there to capture it.
“He had ear bud on!”
“He was focused on the game!”
”He thought she was a Hari Krishna member!”

Some NFL players are just a-holes and you really don’t have to make excuses for them. So your favorite player is not the super cool bud that you want him to be.
Don’t sugar coat it.
If you feel that you must suck up to Aaron Rodgers and profusely apologies for him acting like a jerk then why not do the same for all the other players that you have ripped on PFT?
Hypocrates.

Rodgers not signing while the cameras were rolling = fodder for character assassination (even though you said that what athletes do on camera doesn’t impress you).

But you conveniently downplay the fact that Rodgers did sign for her and talked with her for a bit when the cameras were off?

Nice double-standard.

rjwh23 says:Jan 17, 2011 8:32 PM

You should be commended for making professional athletes accountable, especially for their off-the-field behavior but if Rogers signed autographs for this lady before and after the event you reference should he be responsible to spend time with her and sign items whenever she is present? I’m hearing she attends every event and is always at the airport when the Packers travel. I understand the need to be sensitive to cancer survivors (I am one as are many of my family members) but how much attention must these players provide to fans?

Imagine what the old Mean Joe Coca Cola commercial would have been like starring Aaron Rodgers! Consistently rated the best commercial ever, so obviously America obviously admires the message it portrays of a broken-down,walking off the field football player stopping to go out of his way to make a kids day with an everlasting memory, but Aaron Rodgers breezes by a cancer patient without even a glance her direction while getting off or going to his first class seat and everyone is here to defend him.

You stay classy Green Bay. and remember karma.

grandsonofcoach says:Jan 17, 2011 8:34 PM

Hey Mike,

Let me start by saying I’m a Packer fan. So whatever I say will probably be immediately dumped into the rabid fan category. So I actually will bring up a comment made by Dan Barrerio tonight on Minnesota’s KFAN radio station. In all my years listening to his Bumper to Bumper show, the man has NEVER missed an opportunity to rip into anything negative about Wisconsin or the Packers. It’s his bit, and he makes at least part of his substantial living off of it. But he said he watched the video, and he couldn’t pass judgment on it. Mostly because he couldn’t tell the context around it. And that he’d been around enough players and fans in these types of situations to understand that for every autograph signed, there will always be a fan with a compelling story that was left out. Its a situation no player can ultimately win in. I understand, you may wish to pass judgment on Aaron and that is your choice. But I do ask you if you dismiss all Packer fans for their arguments (missed her, signed a jersey the week before for her, was lost in thought) because they have something personal invested in their side, it also sounds like you have something personal invested in your side.

But I thought it was interesting that someone like Dan who salivates at savaging the Packers and their fans, took a pass. He even wondered what was eating you over this story (enough so that you wrote the longest post I’ve ever seen you write on a topic). Perhaps it will come out tomorrow when you are a guest on KFAN with your friend Paul Allen.

jazzytrav says:Jan 17, 2011 8:46 PM

“Folks who frequent this site on a regular basis know that we aren’t terribly impressed by the things athletes do while the world is watching.”

I don’t quite follow your logic. He didn’t sign anything for her while the camera was watching, yet he did a week earlier while he world wasn’t watching. He didn’t do it a week earlier for the cameras, since there weren’t any and the only reason we know about it is because Jan told us. And now you’re calling him out based on…wait, based on what?

This is weak. And the fact that you had to go through piece-by-piece to defend yourself should show just how weak it is. Man up and admit you could possibly be wrong about the heart of this evil, money-grubbing football player.

the point of the article is, he acted like a tool. she was wearing all pink, a camera was fixated on her, obviously he was all about himself. He should of acknowledged the people that showed up when they didnt have to, to support him. The woman put herself out there, just for an autograph. The least he could do is act like she existed.

Deb says:Jan 17, 2011 8:58 PM

@gbfanforever and company …

No, children, I’m not comparing a rapist or an alleged rapist to a jackass. I’m pointing out hypocrisy.

Roethlisberger hasn’t been accused of assaulting all kinds of women–even though you oh-so-righteous Pack fans like to make those claims. And he hasn’t assaulted anyone. He had a one-nighter with a hotel worker who texted people she couldn’t wait for another. After she obsessed over him for a year, her bosses asked her to take paid leave when he was scheduled to return and she sued him and her coworkers for $3 mil claiming rape. The cops said they haven’t seen anything to indicate a crime occurred.

After he refused to go to an, a-hem, private party with the Georgia accuser, saying it was a lawsuit in waiting, her sorority sis started ragging him about that Nevada case and got tossed from the party. Later that same woman dragged the accuser to cops and insisted her 10 minutes alone with him was a rape. She and another sorority sis are also the only ones who spun that bodyguard-at-the-door tale, which was refuted by other witnesses. The medical exam showed the accuser didn’t have sex with anyone that night and the DA said he hoped those girls had learned their lesson.

So … it doesn’t matter what was alleged, boys and girls. He didn’t rape anyone. But he had been rude to fans … just like your boy Aaron. And Ambrose … we don’t need to know what he says when we have film LOL.

Being an ass one day at the airport doesn’t define Rodgers anymore than being an ass a few times in Pittsburgh defines Roethlisberger. For every story about Ben being rude, there was another about him staying late to sign autographs and doing charity work. As Mike says, you guys are so squeamish you can’t handle ANY criticism even when the film of him brushing past those fans is right in front of your noses. But you sure can dish it out.

All I’m doing is laughing about it.

pervyharvin says:Jan 17, 2011 9:05 PM

Be interesting to see the reaction if Michael Vick did that! I’ KNOW Packer dolts would be calling him a POS….

The fact that this is an issue is completely absurd. Maybe he snubbed her, maybe he didnt. We don’t know what he was thinking. And since we don’t know it’s irresponsible to report this by someone expecting to be viewed as a credible news source.

I’m a Packers fan, and yes it looks like he snubbed her…and if he full well knew who she was and did it anyway, well that sucks. But I’ve seen worse so I’ll get over it. I’ll continue to help pay his salary and feel no worse for it.

That said. None of this means anything as you have about 1 to maybe 2 seconds of footage involving Rodgers and absolutely no context outside the fact that she was there.

Crappy situation. Yes.
Benefit of the doubt being that there really isn’t much to go on…probably so.

As a lawyer and a man that’s acting quite righteous, I’d think you would care to be 100% certain of what happened before assassinating the kid’s character. It’s really quite shallow to take 2 seconds of film and base an entire mindset of someone off of it.

hobartbaker says:Jan 17, 2011 9:17 PM

All expenses to Chicago for Jan and her family this weekend. Pony up, you publicly owned utility.

Now I understand why people hate Lawyers. They do their best to disparage/hide the other side of the story that does not support their opinion.

sathguy says:Jan 17, 2011 9:29 PM

first time I saw Rodgers do that ridiculous “championship belt thing” I knew he was full of himself.
die-hard steelers fan, as one I can see a “full of himself QB” coming from a mile away. We have one in our city.
packer fans should shut up and stop defending the guy. He is arrogant…let’s be honest you have to be to a certain extent to play the qb position well in the nfl. but please dont’ try and tell us all what a great and humble guy he is…you have no idea…all we can know is he is arrogant on the field and totally dissed a lady fighting for her life with cancer.
case closed…

signed…

the real title town fan from Steel town

ruvelligwebuike says:Jan 17, 2011 9:29 PM

I would applaud you for taking a stand on this. Only your stance is in support of an inflammatory article that you unapologetically posted, with no background or context, in an attempt to draw hits for personal gain.

Great post Mike!!! Anybody who hates Favre (i.e. the Wisconsin media and Deadspin) will blindly defend AROD to the death. I got to give you credit, you didn’t cave into their tripe.

shadowgm1 says:Jan 17, 2011 10:00 PM

The lady said it’s a non-issue, and that makes it a non-issue. Keep ignoring the report, though. It’s not insulting at all to think she can’t think for herself. Or that she herself showed several items he’s signed for her this season. Hypocrite.

To you and all the other queens fans, attaching yourselves to this like leeches to “tawt I taw a puddy tat” crap like this in news footage, get lives. You wonder why most NFL fans everywhere (especially Packer fans) think you are tools and whiny self entitled whelps.

sathguy says:Jan 17, 2011 10:00 PM

hmmm…I’m reading your post ruvelligwebuike so I guess that means there is no incredible irony…not surprising…your statement made no sense

Deb can you please show me some links supporting all of your claims of this medical examiner saying there was no sex?

Oh and you are clearly a guy.

pervyharvin says:Jan 17, 2011 10:19 PM

@ skeletaldrawing…..Can I please have my 47 minutes of life back it took to read your self righteous ,pompous ass Manifesto of Dung? I know you are home cranking to your thumbs up votes but please know that only 4 people read it…

sathguy says:Jan 17, 2011 10:22 PM

shadowgm1 is a self entitled whelp
most NFL fans actually look upon you Cheeseheads like we look at the exhibits in a zoo. such a surreal look into the lives of a group of people who have zero life beyond 10-13 days each year…
have a great life shadowgm1
you are a tool

having read tons of posts from other teams. noone sperads the hate to any opponent like packers fans. truth is its jut agame in the end. means nothing in real life just entertainment. but hey theres hope for them. im praying for you all

fraijnt says:Jan 17, 2011 10:25 PM

again.

Beer Cheese Soup says:Jan 17, 2011 10:28 PM

It sucks none of my posts are being allowed, I had a really good opinion on this issue too. You all will have to just take my word for it I guess.

You completely miss the irony of this article. Yes, you judge these athletes on what their charity work in front of the camera, fair enough. But then why are judging Rodgers on one act in front of a camera?? What do you know of what he does when no-one’s looking? What about how he composed himself during the Favre saga behind-the-scenes? And we don’t know if he has reached out to her since, bc it hasn’t been publicised.

The fact is, don’t be so quick to judge, especially according to the very rules you ascribe to.

realitypolice says:Jan 17, 2011 10:35 PM

My mother, my mother in law, my best friend, and my mentor all died of cancer, and my first wife and stepmother have won lengthy battles with the that horrible disease. And that is the God’s honest truth. I am very active in Cancer causes in my area.

So I can say what I am about to say without fearing the acrimonious responses of the ignorant and self-righteous among us.

I am neither an Aaron Rodgers or Packers fan, so I am not blindly defending anyone.

But seeing as this woman has apparently been quite a fixture around the team and has had multiple items signed for her and what seems to be an inordinate amount of attention given to her by the team, I suspect we have a case here of what I call the “professional cancer patient”.

Tens of millions of people have survived cancer without using it as way to garner attention to themselves and get benefits or advantages in situations where they would otherwise not be entitled.

The prize you earn from winning your battle is your life, not the front of the autograph line.

Most survivors I know just want to be treated like everyone else, and would like to put their experience as far in their rear view mirror as possible.

Wearing a pink shirt or ribbon at an awareness event, or wearing the yellow bracelet every day, as I do, as a sign of support is one thing.

Waving your pink flag in the air every time you want someone to pay attention to you is quite another.

I have no idea whether Aaron Rodgers ignored this woman because he is an a**, or if there was some reason of which I am not aware. But the fact that this woman may or may not be one of the tens of millions of cancer survivors in this country should not be the focus of this argument.

For anyone offended by this post, I don’t apologize. I live in the middle of this fight, so save your condescension for someone else.

Deb says:Jan 17, 2011 10:36 PM

@troyaikman8 …

Parts of that were almost funny. You degenerate.

pervyharvin says:Jan 17, 2011 10:37 PM

OK, I made my feelings on this matter heard. Jesus forgives though. Learn from your mistake Aaron and give us a good game .

pervyharvin says:
Jan 17, 2011 10:19 PM
@ skeletaldrawing…..Can I please have my 47 minutes of life back it took to read your self righteous ,pompous ass Manifesto of Dung? I know you are home cranking to your thumbs up votes but please know that only 4 people read it…

Jeez Pervy, I apologize for having sent the armed gunmen to your house to force you to read my post. It won’t happen again! By the way, if it takes you 47 minutes to read a page and a half of text…that might explain the general tone and level of information in your posts on PFT.

This is why I have nearly no desire to meet guys that I admire for their play on the field… They play, I watch- end of story

Deb says:Jan 18, 2011 12:20 AM

@realitypolice …

Agree with most of your post but it’s not fair to diagnose this woman you don’t know as a “professional cancer patient” when you apparently haven’t even seen the film. She was one of many gathered at the airport to see off the team and the news crew seemed to approach her. She didn’t complain about Rodgers. And I don’t think he meant to blow off a cancer patient. He was just blowing through the area, avoiding interaction w/all the fans gathered there.

Yes, she was rockin’ that pink look, but a lot of cancer patients do. I’m in the anti-pink camp. Worked through all three of my cancer battles, including the last when I was given a 50/50 shot of making five years. Don’t look like I’ve ever been sick a day. But she’s still in treatment, so she’s not yet able to put it in the rearview.

I’m sorry for your experiences with so many people close to you. Been there, done that, too. But don’t kid yourself. No matter how close you are to someone and how much you think you’re in the middle of the fight, it’s a whole different ballgame when you are the one getting the diagnosis. Thinking otherwise is what’s condescending.

packmanfan says:Jan 18, 2011 12:29 AM

Deb says:
Jan 17, 2011 8:58 PM
@gbfanforever and company …

Roethlisberger hasn’t been accused of assaulting all kinds of women–even though you oh-so-righteous Pack fans like to make those claims. And he hasn’t assaulted anyone. He had a one-nighter with a hotel worker who texted people she couldn’t wait for another. After she obsessed over him for a year, her bosses asked her to take paid leave when he was scheduled to return and she sued him and her coworkers for $3 mil claiming rape. The cops said they haven’t seen anything to indicate a crime occurred.
After he refused to go to an, a-hem, private party with the Georgia accuser, saying it was a lawsuit in waiting, her sorority sis started ragging him about that Nevada case and got tossed from the party. Later that same woman dragged the accuser to cops and insisted her 10 minutes alone with him was a rape. She and another sorority sis are also the only ones who spun that bodyguard-at-the-door tale, which was refuted by other witnesses. The medical exam showed the accuser didn’t have sex with anyone that night and the DA said he hoped those girls had learned their lesson.
As Mike says, you guys are so squeamish you can’t handle ANY criticism even when the film of him brushing past those fans is right in front of your noses. But you sure can dish it out.

All I’m doing is laughing about it.
———————————————————-
Of course we can’t handle the criticism for two reasons:
1) There are two sides to every story and this hack writing is really just an opinion piece based on what was seen and not getting Aaron’s side.
2) We are still high from the Pack being in the playoffs and seeing A-rod giving us one of the best games in a long time. Especially after beating the #1 seed in their home.
So we can’t handle the criticism just like how you can’t handle criticism of Ben after he won a couple of Super Bowls for ya.
It’s hard to accept criticism of people one admires.

So he still has not said sorry or anything to her!!! Poor women!! Though like you said she is a Packer fan and probably does not care!!

stetai says:Jan 18, 2011 2:33 AM

Remember, this is the same guy who got all pissy because GB kids cussed at him when he was named starter, I believe he said something to the effect of “I’m the starter now, so fans better get used to it”.

He has a history of being a jackass. How many great swell guys, have choreographed dance moves after a Td and simulate a championship belt after running for one. Anything Rodgers does that is good, is through Packer PR instructions and not from him.

He’s probably pissed at Cavanaugh because she didn’t demand he start when he was drafted in 2005 like that one reporter he reamed out publicly.

It’s funny what happens when the media gets ahold of things like this,
if you serously think that Aaron is the only one that has done this kind of thing, then you know NOTHING about
any kind of celebrity. why don’t you go ahead and make a hate article about every other NFL player, because I bet they’ve all done it once.

And yeah, Aaron shouldn’t have walked passed her, but god forbid an NFL player walks by
a cancer patient without giving he/she his autograph, or else someones gonna jump down there throats if they don’t.

The woman is lucky she can even get out of bed to get his autograph, others don’t even have a chance to get their
favorite NFL players Autograph because their to damn sick to move.

And the fact that your trying to defend yourself after you rip Aaron for whiffing the
cancer patient even though he did plenty of stuff for her off camera the week before
(Hm, also kind of funny how a good deed went unnoticed) is embarresssing, serously Mike, get over yourself, just
because your poor Vikings didn’t get into the Playoffs, doesn’t mean you can try and bash Aaron for not giving a
cancer patient his autograph

How ’bout this, instead of trying to rip an NFL player, why don’t you go and do some charity work at a hospital
because even then, you would still not have given as much as Aaron has to all those who are dying from cancer.

Also, try not to judge someone before you get to know them.

Beer Cheese Soup says:Jan 18, 2011 3:13 AM

skeletaldrawing says:

Jeez Pervy, I apologize for having sent the armed gunmen to your house to force you to read my post. It won’t happen again! By the way, if it takes you 47 minutes to read a page and a half of text…that might explain the general tone and level of information in your posts on PFT.
_____________

Amen.

dfinpds says:Jan 18, 2011 3:54 AM

I used to come on here to read up on NFL news and read the comments of fellow subscribers……not any more…….You (mister editor) decided to crucify a player for passing a woman in an airport and give all who read this your personal opinion of his actions…..It was my understanding that you just reported the news….If I wanted to have a public figure talk down to me and scold me for having a different opinion than his, I would go talk to Rush Limbaugh…..not go to an NFL blog…..your opinion of how cancer patients should be treated in airports…(although IMMENSELY popular in your own mind) are not neccesarily popular with everyone……What? You didn’t think taking stuff out of context and putting your own spin on it would have an effect on how the Packer organization treated your invitation to appear on your lame video clips?????? Perhaps the timing of this was a bit suspect? Perhaps you should hire a fact checker to get the details of a story before you run a smear campaign? Maybe this blog should be …..The editors opinion is always right? Thought you were better than this……what team do you root for?

stellarperformance says:Jan 18, 2011 5:48 AM

Deb says: Jan 17, 2011 8:58 PM
And Ambrose … we don’t need to know what he says when we have film.
—————————————————————-

Oh understand now…….you mean like Favre’s photos? Thank you for your insightful wisdom. How could all live with ourselves without your guidance?

marty2019 says:Jan 18, 2011 5:48 AM

Autographs are silly. Fans need to stop stalking athletes in an attempt to get them to sign something.

tommytd says:Jan 18, 2011 6:28 AM

Let the football gods get even with this guy. Why are QBs from Green Bay such morons??? There must be something in the water up there. He’s a piece of crap! Probably needs to be bounced on his head again.

robinyount19 says:Jan 18, 2011 6:59 AM

From Jan herself:

Dear Steve,
Thank you so much for “tracking me down”. I had no idea this hubbub was going on and it is very embarrassing to me. We are big Packer fans and do not want anything to interfere with the Packs game with the Bears next weekend.

We love having Packer parties when they play, have a Packer Christmas tree that we set up every Christmas, Packer clothing, etc., etc.

Aaron did sign a jersey for me the night they came home from playing the Eagles. But my sister-in-law (a Viking fan) had given me a pink Packers cap when I lost my hair and I wanted Aaron to sign it. Didn’t get that accomplished, but in all fairness to Aaron he had signed my jersey the week before.

There were only a few of us at the airport the times we’ve been up there in the last month. It is sometimes hard to understand why the players can’t take a few minutes and sign things when there are so few people asking for autographs. I can understand not wanting to be held up after a game and an airplane ride if there are lots of people that want you to sign something. However, that hasn’t been the case up to now.

Again, I’m embarrassed and I’m sure it’s embarrassing to Aaron who quietly has done so much for the community with so many groups. I know that none of us wanted to make so much out of it. Yes, I’ve had cancer, yes I don’t have hair right now, but I am fine and will be fine and don’t want people making more out of this than there is.

Thanks Steve for letting me know what was happening. I’m not good on the computer and would never have found out if you hadn’t let me know.

Well it is certainly good to see that Jerry Springer has found work as a writer on this website. It is truly amazing that, under the pretense of defending the honor of cancer patients, you guys drag a cancer survivor into a public fray that she has no desire to be a part of.

Which event do you think will have a larger negative impact on this woman’s health and happiness, not getting another autograph from Aaron Rogers, or being dragged into an embarrassing public vendetta against her favorite team?

Anything for mouse clicks!

pervyharvin says:Jan 18, 2011 8:31 AM

I got a text from Aaron last night, he said he was sorry. Time to move on folks…

savocabol1 says:Jan 18, 2011 8:47 AM

YAWN. As a little kid I waited outside a Cleveland Indians game for a chance to get a few autographs. Omar Vizquel walks right by me while I have ball and pen in hand. I say “hey can I get an autograph?” he responds “no”

Please make a full report.

juancorsair says:Jan 18, 2011 8:47 AM

har21441 says:

…but Aaron Rodgers breezes by a cancer patient without even a glance her direction while getting off or going to his first class seat and everyone is here to defend him.

They are defending him because he signed her jersey for her the week before, Dumbass. It’s not like he refuses to ever do anything for his fans. What do you expect? That he should honour every request for a signature everytime anyone ever asks him for one?

In the future, I suggest you to keep up with current events to further avoid shoving your foot directly into that perfect a$$h0le you call a mouth. We get it… You hate the Packers. Stop trying to make this out to be anything more than that.

When are fans with difficult situations entitled to athletes signing anything they request at the exact moment that they want? How are athletes to know each person who is a cancer survivor? This sure was a broad brush on one small incident to characterize Aaron Rodgers. You must be buddies with Cowherd.

cusoman says:Jan 18, 2011 9:09 AM

Some of these posts get really long and as a reader, I find it hard to keep interest, whatever the topic. You need a TLDR (too long, didn’t read) summary at the end of these posts…

Anyway, doesn’t matter what you say – one single playoff win (let alone 2) suddenly makes A.Rod the second coming of Favre for Packer fans, and nothing you can say now will change that rabid fandom that chucks any sort of common sense the minute it is embraced. Rodgers could commit any felony and they would still not vilify him.

mp51 says:Jan 18, 2011 9:54 AM

he didnt commit a felony, he just didnt sign an autograph. wow. he MUST be a jerk. after this 5 sec clip, we all KNOW aaron is a 1st class jerk.

Matt-NC says:Jan 18, 2011 10:07 AM

PFT got it wrong. Man up and admit it.

Your long-winded attempt to deflect and spin only confirms you know you screwed up.

The Packers as an organization refuse any appearances or interviews with ANYONE at NBC. If they can’t get it right, why give them anything?

ragingyinzer says:Jan 18, 2011 11:09 AM

Geesh – that’s a lot of last words, Mike.

If only Rodgers were as defensive about his behavior as you are about reporting on it, then you might have more of a story.

The most disturbing and disgusting thing is the lady is upset with the fact that it was made into a big deal. She is totally embarrassed now because one of her favorite players is being scrutinized because you spoke on her behalf without getting all the facts. You couldn’t pass up on such a controversial post of “Aaron Rodgers Snubs Cancer Patient” that you not only misjudged a good person who cares about his community and fans, but you totally embarrassed and mis-spoke for the person you mentioned should be treated so delicately. I can’t imagine how bad she feels right now. I loved this site before for it’s wity humor and I always had a feeling that small issues were exaggerated and “small details” were filled in with what would make for fluff and viewership (and I can’t deny that it made for some interesting humorous banter), but I think this more than crosses a line. I really hope that Aaron reaches makes sure this woman knows that she shouldn’t be embarrassed or feel bad.

purpleguy says:Jan 18, 2011 11:31 AM

He’s a good, no make that great, player who probably was an ass for 30 seconds. Even though I’m a Viking fan, given Rodgers’ historical decent behavior, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt — this time. The entertaining thing about this post is the righteous indignation of all the cheesers. Geez, try to look at this from 10,000 feet folks.

packmanfan says:Jan 18, 2011 11:36 AM

We got a ton of snow dumped on us.
So I called Aaron Rodgers to come and help me shovel the driveway and sidewalk.
He wouldn’t do it.
Man, that guy really is a first class jerk!
Can I get a story on this PFT?

yesimfromwisconsin says:Jan 18, 2011 11:46 AM

Sorry Lord Fl—-. You pooched it. You just need a couple more “last words” on the matter, “I was _____.” You can do it. It’ll probably boost your image too in the long run.

cmstrick says:Jan 18, 2011 12:13 PM

I love the Green bay packers. And I love Aaron Rodgers. He’s a great quarterback, and I believe he’s a good man, too.

I don’t know why he ignored her in that clip. Maybe he was focused on the game. Maybe he didn’t even notice her. I’m fairly certain it wasn’t just him being a dick.

But that’s not why I’m commenting. I’m commenting because I’m glad to see that you’re sticking to your guns, Mike.

To tell the truth, I liked this site a lot better when it was just the Rumor Mill. I knew I could come here and get the dirt – whether it turned out to be factually correct or not. I always had to take what I read with a grain of salt, but it was worth it to feel like an “insider”, to know things before other fans did.

Anyway, you found this story and you ran with it. Just like the good old days. And you’re not backing down. Just like the good old days. Good for you.

mpuerling says:Jan 18, 2011 12:19 PM

How easy it to have a job that makes it okay to be so hideously judgmental of an athlete who made an oversight one time? Perhaps before you write one of the longer stories I have ever seen on this site, you should have done a little reading up. Some easy research of what he has done for the MACC fund and child cancer patients in WI will give you plenty of examples to illustrate why this story is an absolute joke. Also, this story has helped me to better understand why my dad, when asking where I “heard about” fill in the blank and my responding PFT, garnered only a huge laugh and a “you should probably look elsewhere for credible journalism.”

Oh and hey, props for being the first to break the Brett Favre penis story…how fitting.

ruvelligwebuike says:Jan 18, 2011 12:20 PM

I tried to be friends with Antoine Winfield on Facebook a month ago and it still says, “Waiting for Friend Confirmation.” I know there’s a story in there somewhere.

I heard from a friend of mine in Green Bay that Rodgers drove past a homeless panhandler this morning. The poor guy suffers from mental illness and alcoholism.

Obviously Aaron hates all mental illness and alcoholics so you should investigate this as well.

packmanfan says:Jan 18, 2011 1:19 PM

Actually, it was against our interests to post the story criticizing Rodgers, since we had submitted a request on Sunday for a Packers player to appear this week on PFT Live. We’ve got a feeling that, for perhaps the same reason WBAY so quickly deleted the video, our request will be denied.
————————————————————But not so much against your interests that you go ahead and post it anyway.

Really? Your going to put down Rodgers BEFORE you find out if a Packers player will be on your show?
I don’t blame the Packers for not being on your show after what you did to their QB.
You reap what you sow.

Deb says:Jan 18, 2011 1:22 PM

Ambrose, you’re being silly. I’ve already said I don’t think he deliberately dissed the cancer patient, but he is identifiable in the film. I don’t know Favre’s penis on sight … do you?

I am a HUGE Packer Fan and attend the packer games, scrimmages, and even training camp practices regularly where you can watch practice and get autographs. I can vouch that when Rogers comes out from Lambeau to get into his truck after practice he is not very approachable like the others. The time my son and I saw him, he came out with his hood covering him (in the summer) amongst a group of guys. All the other guys came to sign autographs and Rogers slipped away to his truck and with my son on my shoulders I ran to catch him at the exit, but he just blew right by along with blowing by another couple people that were waiting there at the exit for his autograph. I don’t think Rogers should have been singled out in the original article because SO MANY players do it and especially because the guy he took over for, had his own underground exit to leave so he didn’t have to even be seen leaving, but it pains me to say that I agree that Rogers is not the most gracious to those that pay his salary and this is coming from personal experience from a huge fan.

stellarperformance says:Jan 18, 2011 2:21 PM

Deb says: Jan 18, 2011 1:22 PM
Ambrose, you’re being silly. I’ve already said I don’t think he deliberately dissed the cancer patient, but he is identifiable in the film. I don’t know Favre’s penis on sight … do you?
—————————————————————–
No, I don’t. But I’m surprised that you don’t. You seem to know everything else.

Matt-NC says:Jan 18, 2011 2:32 PM

He didn’t sign. As a fan, I’d be disappointed too. But that’s all it is.

Fortunately, the big media markets are seeing it this way too. So this issue will begin and end on this small site even if it is affiliated with a real media player.

The same people that make Aaron Rodgers his money give you the viewership that inspires NBC or Sprint or whoever to pay you for your services. Without the fans your site is worthless. I’d be willing to bet Aaron Rodgers have given more time energy and percentage (to be fair) of his earnings towards the community (cancer patients / survivors included) than you have ever even thought about giving. You sit here on your laptop and criticize the generosity of people who devote a large portion of their time to charities whether it be on camera or off. You better make sure you’ve done your part before you whine, complain, and bitch about someone else doing theirs.

Deb says:Jan 18, 2011 2:58 PM

I posted this quite a while ago but it was censored, which says a lot about the cheap tricks of the censors. PFT, I have a right to rethink my behavior. Maybe you children playing god with your censorship powers should rethink yours.

packfanman says …

Of course we can’t handle the criticism … It’s hard to accept criticism of people one admires.
————————————————–
Yes, it is. That was a well-written response. Now that I’ve had time to reflect, I’m sorry I piled on. I’ve never thought from the film that Rodgers deliberately ignored this particular woman. It was more that he was trying to get through the area without having to talk to anyone–and I get why a celebrity would want to do that sometimes. Feel that way myself occasionally.

As I told someone else on the other thread, my first completely mild comment on that thread is all I would have posted if some guy hadn’t started ripping cancer patients and someone else hadn’t started posting that at least he wasn’t a rapist like Roethlisberger. And then you have fools like nickynick04 posting things about him forcing a woman into oral sex when she never accused him of that. It’s ridiculous … and a red flag to a bull for a cancer and rape survivor who spent months studying Ben’s cases. Work has brought me into contact with too many public figures to ever be lulled into thinking they’re angels. After a lot of uncertainty, it was a blessed relief to discover compelling evidence of Ben’s innocence. But it was still a huge disappointment to learn what a complete ass he had been to fans. He claims he’s turned over a new leaf, and a lot of bystanders say it’s true. Sure hope so.

My guess is that, like most pro athletes, yours has a bit of an ego. But it’s not worth all this angst. You should get to enjoy your win and focus on returning to the conference championship. Mike isn’t a reporter. It’s his job to be informative and to write provocative commentary that stirs people. He’s very good at it. But in this case … I’m sorry I got so carried away. Good luck on Sunday.

We’re picking up some unconfirmed reports from diverse sources that Packer Fan Jan died in a car accident on Thursday.

We don’t know whether it’s true, and if it is true the world would suddenly be a far less enjoyable place. If anyone knows about this, please drop us a line.

And Jan, if you’re out there, let us know you’re okay.

packmanfan says:Jan 18, 2011 3:33 PM

Aaron has done tons and tons of charity work for cancer patients.
Not because he has to but because he wants to.
And he doesn’t just drop a check in the mail.
He will make appearances.
I seriously doubt that the writer who has put down A-Rod not once, but twice has yet to do even an ounce of anywhere near what A-Rod has done for cancer charities and patients.
Until then, he has no right to criticize A-Rod like this.
Mike, put your money where your mouth is. I dare ya.

skik2 says:Jan 18, 2011 4:14 PM

CBS Sports who also had a blurb on the original story, has in essence printed a full retraction and in its place documented some of the great charity work Aaron has done. NBC – Nothing But Cowards!

Out of all the absurd, poorly written ramblings that I still somehow come to this site to read, this is by far the most ridiculous and arrogant. Maybe you will learn something from the hundreds of ‘likes’ for the posts that call you out for being biased, self-righteous, and just plain wrong. No better than a slanderous tabloid around here, but even tabloids don’t pick and choose who they attack and don’t based on their ‘editors’ blatant favoritism. Hard to want to bother with this site anymore, it’s the comments that make it worth it, certainly not the poor writing and reporting, maybe we should take it elsewhere. And by ‘we’, I mean everyone here but pervyharvin.

mvoeg731 says:
Jan 18, 2011 2:14 PM
I am a HUGE Packer Fan and attend the packer games, scrimmages, and even training camp practices regularly where you can watch practice and get autographs. I can vouch that when Rogers comes out from Lambeau to get into his truck after practice he is not very approachable like the others. The time my son and I saw him, he came out with his hood covering him (in the summer) amongst a group of guys. All the other guys came to sign autographs and Rogers slipped away to his truck and with my son on my shoulders I ran to catch him at the exit, but he just blew right by along with blowing by another couple people that were waiting there at the exit for his autograph. I don’t think Rogers should have been singled out in the original article because SO MANY players do it and especially because the guy he took over for, had his own underground exit to leave so he didn’t have to even be seen leaving, but it pains me to say that I agree that Rogers is not the most gracious to those that pay his salary and this is coming from personal experience from a huge fan.

Aceace28 says:

Spoken from the mouth of a gb fan………not shocking that rodgers does those things. I think that he thinks by doing that very uncomfortable-looking “winner’s belt” thing around his waist, that he actually believes he has won championships……..dude hasn’t even won his division yet.

Hey Mike—Even Deadspin has put this one to bed by saying it was out of context. Have you heard the Dan Patrick interview? Cbs has also apologized for reacting on twitter too quickly. What more do you need? Is it the Vikings thing? Be a man a do what is right!!!!

built2tilt says:Jan 18, 2011 5:03 PM

Despicable reporting on your part. I’m not a packer’s fan, but I’m definitely not a fan of a desperate media that creates stories in hopes of generating traffic at the expense of others.

The guy’s getting off a plane w/ headphones on and some person’s waving at him?? Who knows where his thoughts/focus were at that time? Famous people learn how to tune out people over time too b/c of the constant crush of fans (or desperate media types who try to use them for their own gain).

This and the original piece are awful. I can’t imagine sitting at the dinner table at the end of the day telling my wife and son that putting something like this out there is what my career consists of. It is irresponsible, mean-spirited, and suspends intellectual honesty.

pervyharvin says:Jan 18, 2011 5:07 PM

@ msymke……Would you like to stand up, hold the Feelings Totem and tell us how you really feel? Sissy…

Pervy-thanks for letting us know you were a boxer. Now we know where the brain damage came from.

hooterdawg says:Jan 18, 2011 7:29 PM

There is outrage all over talk shows and the internet for THIS AUTHOR’s totally inaccurate report on this matter. Rogers has signed MANY items for this woman over the years. One talk show mantioned that THE AUTHOR never retracts any of the lies he spreads. NBC should step in and put a muzzle on this creep. Using cancer to promote his soap box will have a bad karma payback someday.

pervyharvin says:Jan 18, 2011 7:49 PM

kiefs85 …..Don’t mess with a Mensa man, you will always lose…just like the Pack vs. Bears. Coach Cartman vs. Chef.

“After all, plenty of fans of other teams blindly have defended far, far worse behavior by their star quarterbacks.”……………..Yeah, but plenty of Packer fans have blindly slammed Favre over every little thing he has done, hasn’t done, or might have done. The Rogers incident is ON VIDEO, so he did it. You can make all the excuses in the world for why. But he’s rumored to be a jerk anyway, so the most likely reason is he is a jerk.